While I often disagree with Mr. Walter Backstrom’s opinion, I occasionally read his column as a way to better understand the perspective of other members of our community.
I think that it is important in a community as racially diverse as Kent to discuss, even debate, issues around race. I was shocked by how uninformed Mr. Backstrom was on the topic he covered in his opinion piece, “I survived Black History Month.”
Mr. Backstrom asks the reader, “What race should March recognize? The Hispanics? The Native Americans? Who? If I were a different race, I would want to know: When are you guys going to show me some love?”
Well Mr. Backstrom, to answer your question, September is National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) and November is National American Indian Heritage Month. In addition, May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month and there are many other months that have been dedicated to acknowledge the contributions of underrepresented populations. The fact that you were unaware that these months were designated to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of these groups, nor did you make the effort to discover if they existed (a quick Internet search results in thousands of hits), is highly troubling.
I agree with Mr. Backstrom that our history books (and I will also add our media), should acknowledge the contributions of all people, regardless of their race. Unfortunately, this is far from the case. As Dr. Carter Woodson, the man attributed with founding Black History Month, said, “What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.”
When this has been accomplished racial/ethnic heritage months will be irrelevant. Until that time, there is great benefit to our society to be reminded, and in some cases informed, of the many accomplishments that are so often overlooked.
While I truly appreciate that the Kent Reporter is attempting to start a dialogue around issues of race, I hope that you will seek out a more informed correspondent to lead this charge.
Sarah Veele-Brice
Kent
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